Further Characterization of Mab 2C11 (Eosinophilic Granular Cell) in Intestinal Tissue of Fish From Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia, South Carolina
Host-parasite immune responses of higher vertebrates are often mediated through Th2 cells, resulting inthe secretion of IL-5, eosinophilia, and immunoglobulin class-switching to an IgE. Host-parasite interactions in fish are one of the least understood areas of comparative immunology, mostly because immunoglobulin class-switching does not occur in fish, and evidence for Fc receptors on phagocytes is unequivocal at this time. However, the presence of eosinophilic granular cells (EGCs) in some species of fish suggests that there may be a role for these cells in the immune response to parasites. In this study, monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2C11 has been developed against a protein found only in highly granulated cells that may be equivalent to eosinophilic granular cells (EGCs) found in various species of fish. Several species (E.g. Lepomis spp., Ictalurus spp. and Micropterus spp.) of freshwater fish (n=41) were collected from Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia, South Carolina, necropsied and examined for parasites. All abdominal tissues were collected and preserved. mAb 2C11 was used to probe paraffin-embedded intestinal tissues from fish. Differences in EGC profile of parasite infected and non-infected fish are described.
Immunohistologic Examination of Host-Parasite Relationships in Gill Tissue of Teleosts From Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia, South Carolina
While immunologic responses of mammals to parasites have been well documented in the literature, and generally include eosinophils and the secretion of IL-5 and IgE, there is no good immunoparasitology model that exists in fish. Initial studies of the fish eosinophilic granular cell (EGC) have demonstrated their involvement in parasite responses, making these cells a logical focal point in understanding fish immunoparasitology. Fish (Ictalurus spp, Fundulus spp, etc.) are commonly used as models in comparative immunology labs, but the underlying problem with advancing the knowledge of immunoparasitology in fish is a lack of suitable reagents to characterize cell types and general immune responses against parasites. We recently developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2C11, which recognizes a protein found only in highly granulated cells that may be equivalent to EGCs found in various species of fish. Since EGCs may function like eosinophils of higher animals, this antibody reagent may be useful in identifying some of the roles of EGCs in fish-parasite interactions. Several species (E.g. Lepomis spp., Ictalurus spp. and Micropterus spp.) of freshwater fish (n=41) were collected from Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia, South Carolina, necropsied and examined for parasites. All gills were collected and preserved. mAb 2C11 was used to probe paraffin-embedded gill tissues from fish. Differences in EGC profile of parasite infected and non-infected fish are described.
Spatial Delineation of Monoclonal Genotypes in the Seagrasses Thalassia testudinum and Halodule wrightii In the Gulf of Mexicos Florida and Alabama Coastlines
The genetic diversity of the seagrasses Thalassia testudinum and Halodule wrightii collected from three locations (St. George Sound, FL; St. Joseph Bay, FL; and Grand Lagoon, FL) was estimated using microsatellite markers. The objective of this preliminary study was to measure the extent of monoclonal genotypes within sampled sites and to estimate gene flow among sampled sites for the two species. Seagrass tissue samples were collected at 10 meter intervals along 100 meter transects. The tissues were preserved in silica gel and transported to Kennesaw State University. Genomic DNA was isolated from plant tissue using MOBIO DNA Extraction Kit for plant tissue. Six microsatellite loci for each species were amplified. The amplified samples were electrophoresed using an ABI 310 automated DNA sequencer. The allele sizes were estimated compared to an ROX 500 size standard and the genotypes assigned. Allelic diversity was detected within loci, among individuals, within sites and between sites indicating site specific genetic differences. Monoclonal genotypes ranged from 10 to 100 meters for the two species and varied within and between sampled sites. The observed patterns of genetic diversity and the natural barriers and corridors of recruitment in this system for these species will be interpreted in the context of natural and anthropogenic impacts on seagrass beds. Knowledge of this type will enhance the ability of researchers to predict if and how this species and others will respond to changes in hydrology and disturbance, and the impact these changes may have on community structure.
Scat Composition of Coyotes in Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina
Coyotes (Canis latrans) have recently become a widespread predator in South Carolina, however foraging behavior in the Southeastern United States has not been studied extensively. We have explored coyote diet over the past four years at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. Since May 2010, coyote scat was collected into paper bags from roads and trails in the refuge. The bags were labeled with the date and location of collection. The scat was then taken back to Coker College and placed in a freezer until processing. Before dissection, scat was dried in an oven for three days at 65°C. Over 239 samples have been collected since May 2010. Of those samples, just under half have been dissected. We found evidence of heavy predation on mammal species. Mammal remains make up the highest composition in scat, at 46.2% of scat mass, followed by plant remains (39.6%), arthropods (7.8%), and, lastly, avian remains (1.7%). Although plant remains did not make up the largest composition of individual scats, they were found in every dissected scat. Mammal remains were found in 81.9% of scat. Arthropods were also quite abundant, found in 77.1% of scat. Avian remains were quite rare, found in only 9.6% of scat remains. Future studies in this area should evaluate the relationship between prey availability and consumption to determine if coyotes are showing any dietary preferences.
Coker College, Hartsville, SC
P70 • Brenee’ L. Muncy, Christopher D. Barton, Steven J. Price
